HMD Collaborates with Parents to Create New Phone for Children to Protect Their Mental Wellbeing

The Better Phone Project by HMD is an innovative initiative aimed at addressing the impact of smartphone use and social media on children's mental wellbeing.

In collaboration with parents, HMD is developing a phone specifically designed for children, providing an alternative to traditional smartphones. The goal is to empower parents with more control over their child's screen time and social media usage, ultimately promoting better balance and safeguarding the mental health of the next generation.

As part of The Better Phone Project, HMD commissioned new global research to provide insight into the dilemmas parents face when it comes to their children and smartphone use. The research findings, conducted in July 2024, revealed 11 is the average age when a parent hands over a smartphone to their child for the first time – but many confessed they wished they had waited longer. 10,092 parents were interviewed, across 5 different countries, United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany and Australia.

HMD plans to tackle the issue with a suite of new devices – including a new phone– and wants parents to be a part of creating a solution that works for them as part of The Better Phone Project.

The Better Phone is designed with features that prioritize children's mental wellbeing and parental control. While specific details are still emerging, below are some anticipated features:

1. Customizable Screen Time Limits: Parents can set daily usage limits for apps and screen time.
2. Safe Browsing: A curated web browser with age-appropriate content.
3. Parental Monitoring: Real-time insights into app usage, websites visited, and social media activity.
4. Distraction-Free Mode: A mode that minimizes notifications during study or sleep hours.
5. Emergency Contacts: Quick access to emergency numbers.
6. Privacy Controls: Enhanced privacy settings for photos, location, and personal data.
7. Educational Apps: Pre-installed educational apps and games.

It is to be noted that these features are subject to change as the project evolves.

HMD is also keen to work with anyone who is interested in this subject and would like to be part of the journey to create change and new solutions. They can sign-up to be involved at https://www.hmd.com/en_int/better-phone-project.

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